Veterans seek reinstatement of lawsuits over open burn pits

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Veterans and their families are asking a federal appeals court to reinstate a collection of lawsuits brought against a government contractor who they claim caused health problems by using burn pits during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last year, a judge dismissed the lawsuits filed against KBR, a former Halliburton subsidiary. Arguments are scheduled Wednesday before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia.

The lawsuits alleged that KBR dumped tires, trucks, medical waste and other materials into open burn pits, which caused gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory problems and other health issues.

A federal judge in Maryland found that the military made the decision to use burn pits. The judge said analyzing the military’s decision-making during war was a political question not appropriate for judicial review.

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